08 Nights / 09 Days

Covered Places : Negombo » Pinnawala » Sigiriya » Polonnaruwa » Kandy » Nuwara Eliya » Horton Plains » Kitulgala » Bentota » Colombo

Day 01: Airport - Negombo:

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Aitken Spence Travels Representative.

Transfer from Airport to Negombo.

Overnight Stay at Goldi Sands Hotel (3*)

Day 02: Negombo -Pinnawala - Sigiriya :

Breakfast at Hotel and Transfer from Negombo to Pinnawala.

As you enter the 25 acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is rightly a sincere sight to observe how these gentle giants - orphaned and sometimes three-legged - are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grand children during the past few decades! Watch as they feed at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm & 5:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth!

The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.

Overnight stay at Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel (3*)

Day 03: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Habarana - Sigiriya :

Breakfast at Hotel and Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa.

Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!

Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Habarana,do Hiriwadunna Villaage Nature Trek and Transfer from Habarana to Sigiriya.

Overnight stay at Kassapa Lion Rock (3*)

Day 04: Sigiriya - Kandy - Tea Plantation - Nuwara Eliya :

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from Sigiriya to Kandy and Transfer from Kandy to Tea Plantation.

Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.

Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Galway Forest Resort (3*)

Day 05: Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at Hotel and Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains.

Horton Plains, UNESCO World Heritage Site, trekking paradise & Eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle, painted with unending stretches of green pastures marks one of the healthiest wet montane evergreen forests in Sri Lanka. With an altitude above 7000ft, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3169 hectares sheltering flora and fauna varieties that may be found no where else on earth. As the tributary of Belihul Oya - Bakers Falls - thunders down rocks head along the 9km trekking path - across frost-covered grass - to feel the icy-cold wind against your face. You may even gaze down World's End, a head-spinning 3700ft drop towards the Southern end or drive carefully through herds of sambar deer, shy to human touch & birdlife chirping across the plains. If you're cautious enough you may be greeted by the sights of a grunting wild boar, a pouncing fishing cat, otters or even the 'Spotted-Ghost that haunts the plains', the Sri Lankan Leopard!

Transfer from Horton Plains to Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight Stay at Hotel in Galway Forest Resort (3*)

Day 06: Nuwara Eliya - Kitulgala - Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel and Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Kitulgala.

Showered by two monsoons each year, Kitulgala - the destination of 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' - marks an important landmark in many calendars as one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka. If adventure close to Colombo is your pick, then Kitulgala is your bliss! Grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water, thundering downstream throwing rafters far & wide. Hop from rock to rock upstream for a mind-blowing waterfall jump that should strain your voice to the core or slide down to the darkest depths of caves haunted by millions of bats. If hardcore adventurism is not for you, then simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness.

Transfer from Kitulgala to Bentota.

Overnight Stay at Marina Bentota (3*)  

Day 07: Bentota – Galle -Kodgoda -Balapitiya-Bentota:

Breakfast at Hotel and Transfer from Bentota to Galle.

Galle City Tour

Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

Transfer from Galle to Balapitiya.

Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combines under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River - a lifeline of Balapitiya - and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River - hiding an ecological treasure - to witness the tranquility of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts of reptiles, mollusks and over 70 species of fresh water fish. Today the region - which is strong in observing rural folk life in the island - does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance, but also has a fine 'fish pedicure center' - one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience.

Transfer from Balapitiya to Kosgoda.

Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for ''Sea Turtles' Sake'' is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka - apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation - was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society who studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project which operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!

Transfer from Kosgoda to Bentota.

Overnight Stay at Marina Bentota (3*)

Day 08: Bentota -Colombo :

Breakfast at Hotel. The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!

Overnight stay at Sapphire Hotel (3*)

Day 09: Colombo - Airport :

Breakfast at Hotel and transfer from Colombo to Airport for departure.